Covering Disruptive Technology Powering Business in The Digital Age

Written by: Mohammad Al-Amin Mohd Jahaya, Journalist, AOPG

Gone are the days of clunky e-learning modules that felt more like digital textbooks than engaging learning experiences. E-learning, which first emerged in the late 1990s with the promise of location-independent education, has undergone a remarkable transformation. The rise of Learning Management Systems (LMS) wasn’t just about delivering information online; it was about fostering interactivity and real-time engagement between educators and learners.

However, the pace of technological innovation hasn’t slowed down. Today, cutting-edge advancements continue to reshape the training and education landscape, with e-learning at the forefront of this evolution. To understand this dynamic field and its exciting future potential, we spoke with Michael Chian, Founder & Academic Director of BeED, a prominent LMS provider in Malaysia.

Personalised Experiences and Microlearning Take Centre Stage

According to Michael, the education and training market is experiencing a significant shift. Adults now have access to more effective learning methods fuelled by the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies like AI into Learning Management Systems (LMS). This allows for a personalised learning experience, wherein the subject matter adapts to the individual learner’s level of understanding. Michael emphasises that this approach encourages learners to ask questions, fostering a more effective path to mastering a subject over time.

Microlearning, bite-sized learning modules, is also gaining traction, with AI technology playing a crucial role in its effectiveness. AI’s adaptive functionality allows it to prepare and recommend content reinforcement for topics learners struggle with.  Moreover, it identifies opportunities to re-engage learners and keep them moving forward.

While face-to-face training and education methods are undoubtedly valuable, Michael acknowledges their limitations. Trainers or teachers best suited to learners’ needs may not always be available in Malaysia. This drives the demand for digital solutions like workshops, webinars, and such to overcome geographical limitations. Consequently, mobile learning is gaining momentum not just in Malaysia but worldwide.

This is why BeED took the initiative to become a “mobile-enabled” LMS, prioritising the optimisation of the User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) for mobile devices. This advancement empowers learners to engage in learning sessions from any location.

The discussion also shed light on the integration of AI technology within e-learning and LMS for enterprises. Michael noted that current AI implementations in this field are primarily limited to chatbots capable of addressing basic queries. Recognising the rapid pace of technological advancement, however, BeED is actively pursuing the integration of more advanced AI capabilities. Additionally, features such as Augmented Reality (AR) and facial recognition are being incorporated into their forthcoming platform. These enhancements will provide trainers and teachers with deeper insights, enabling them to gauge learner engagement levels and identify comprehension challenges more effectively.

Challenges and Solutions in E-Learning and Implementing an LMS

The technological transformation towards e-learning brings its own set of challenges for enterprises, particularly in encouraging employee adoption. As Michael highlights, this is a common hurdle. Management styles may need to adapt to effectively promote and ensure employee engagement with the LMS platform.

Another key challenge lies in choosing the right LMS. Every organisation has unique training goals, making a “one-size-fits-all” approach ineffective. Michael emphasises the importance of selecting an LMS with flexibility and customisation options. This allows organisations to tailor training programs to their specific needs and effectively measure their efficacy.

Beyond catering to learner needs, flexibility and customisation are equally important for trainers. Trainers have their own preferred methodologies and content formats. Organisations require an LMS that can accommodate these diverse preferences to adapt to evolving market trends.

“BeED addresses this challenge with a robust onboarding and training system for trainers,” explained Michael. “We take the time to understand each company’s unique style, needs, and curriculum. We then assist them in mapping and loading their content onto the platform.  We also encourage them to explore new approaches and maintain a collaborative partnership with them. This ensures BeED is highly flexible in adapting to different training methodologies and styles.”

In addition to its flexibility, the BeED platform boasts low resource requirements. This minimises any potential burden on an organisation’s existing infrastructure.  Furthermore, as previously mentioned, BeED is actively integrating advanced AI capabilities for more effective training methods and a deeper understanding of learner needs.  Finally, BeED offers a reliable support structure, ensuring prompt resolution of any client inquiries or issues.

The future of e-learning is brimming with potential. As AI and other advanced technologies continue to integrate with learning platforms, we can expect even more personalised and engaging learning experiences. This will empower learners to achieve their goals and equip businesses with a skilled and adaptable workforce. By embracing these advancements, we can unlock a world where education is truly accessible and effective for everyone.

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